AbilityFirst
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Providing programs and resources for children and adults with disabilities, since 1926. Lawrence L.
AbilityFirst was established in 1926 and known as the Crippled Children's Society of Southern California (CCS) for many decades. Frank and Paul Dietrich, both Rotarians, were two of the original founders of the organization and they continued their loyal support throughout their lives. Operating in the greater Los Angeles area, AbilityFirst has 25 facilities which supports individuals with physical and developmental disabilities through after school enrichment programs, job training, community employment, accessible camping, and affordable and accessible housing. AbilityFirst is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) and the American Camping Association (ACA). Some facilities are licensed by the California Department of Social Services and the Department of Developmental Services.
10/03/2026
What a fun day at the JHAM Center! 💙✨
Today’s Open House was filled with creativity and connection. Guests made colorful bracelets, tie-dyed their own T-shirts and enjoyed a delicious Sloppy Joe lunch together!
Couldn’t join us at JHAM? Our Open House series continues! Come visit another AbilityFirst center and see our mission in action:
📍 Claremont — Saturday, October 3 | 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
📍 Long Beach — Wednesday, October 7 | 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. & 3:30–5:30 p.m.
📍 East LA — Thursday, October 8 | 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
📍 Lawrence L. Frank Center — Wednesday, October 14 | 10 a.m.–1 p.m. & 3–5 p.m.
We’d love to see you at the next one! 💙
09/25/2026
We had such a wonderful time celebrating with Jaclyn Smith and hearing about her new memoir, I Once Knew a Guy Names Charlie, during Gay Days Anaheim ✨📚 Proceeds from ticket sales benefited AbilityFirst, helping support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. 💙
A special thank you to Jaclyn for being a longtime supporter and champion of AbilityFirst. We’re so grateful for her continued generosity and commitment to our community! 💫
09/16/2026
⛳️ What a day on the green! 💚
Thank you to everyone who teed off, volunteered, sponsored, and cheered us on at Hit the Green! Together, you helped us raise over $22,000 and counting to support coaching, community outings, and essential services at our Long Beach Center. 🎉
And there’s still time to make an impact! Donate today and help keep the momentum going. 💙
https://my.onecause.com/event/organizations/sf-0018000000YOJhaAAH/events/vevt:c44e3796-e671-4e1c-933a-f8dff03be7a4/give/donation-options
09/15/2026
09/11/2026
⚾️ What a memorable day! 💙
The participants at the Claremont Center had an amazing time meeting Dodgers legend Orel Hershiser, exploring baseball memorabilia and sharing plenty of laughs!
A BIG thank you to Orel, Legends Attic and their team for making this experience so special! 💙
09/04/2026
We need YOU! 💙💚
Help us make Stroll & Roll a day to remember! We’re looking for volunteers for setup, registration, info booths, carnival games, spirit squad, stage assistance, wheelchair assistance, face painters, jugglers, and musicians!
Volunteer shifts:
📅 Friday, November 6 | 1–4 PM | Setup
📅 Saturday, November 7 | 7:30–11:30 AM | Event Day
📅 Saturday, November 7 | 10 AM–2 PM | Event Day
Join our volunteer team and help make this incredible community celebration possible!
Sign up here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf1BfpOcpjDrw8cn2tw2eDI2FIGtkFsIJboJBwgDTGP95c1dg/viewform
The AbilityFirst Claremont Center was recently featured on KABC-TV! Tony Cabrera visited the center and sat down with Claremont Center Director Julie Martin to spotlight the impactful programs, opportunities, and community connections that help people with disabilities thrive. We’re proud to share a glimpse of the work happening every day at AbilityFirst!
https://abc7.com/tag/tony-in-your-town/
08/18/2026
✨ Meet a Hollywood Icon! ✨
Calling all Charlie’s Angels fans! Get the chance to meet Jaclyn Smith in an exclusive virtual meet & greet for two, plus receive a personally autographed photo. Jaclyn is a longtime supporter of AbilityFirst and a passionate advocate for accessibility and inclusion.
Learn more and bid for this unforgettable experience supporting 100 years of AbilityFirst.
https://www.charitybuzz.com/catalog_items/auction-virtually-meet-jaclyn-smith-of-charlies-angels-3455000?preview=1&utm_campaign=6621&utm_content=Virtually+Meet+Jaclyn+Smith&utm_medium=Specialist&utm_source=AuctionUpdate&utm_term=Abilityfirst
08/10/2026
A day of impact 👏
Last Wednesday was a special day for the students from AbilityFirst’s College to Career Program. From morning to afternoon, the students helped sort and pack food, ensuring that our warehouse was ready for our upcoming Friday distribution.
After their shift, we had the honor of joining them for a heartfelt pinning ceremony hosted by their program coach. During the ceremony, each student was given the space to share a brief reflection on their volunteer experience before being presented with a Volunteer Appreciation pin.
Moments like this remind us that volunteering is more than the task at hand. It provides space for growth and impact that can take an individual beyond the initial experience.
Thank you, AbilityFirst, for choosing us to be part of your wonderful celebration. 💙
Volunteer Appreciation pins provided to students 🌟
Pinning ceremony!
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Website
Address
789 North Fair Oaks
Pasadena, CA
91103
Opening Hours
| Monday | 8:30am - 5pm |
| Tuesday | 8:30am - 5pm |
| Wednesday | 8:30am - 5pm |
| Thursday | 8:30am - 5pm |
| Friday | 8:30am - 5pm |
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